The government of Rajasthan has come out with interest-free loans of up to Rs. 1 lakh in a major move to support livestock farmers under the Gopal Credit Card Scheme. The scheme is part of the state's overall vision to boost the rural economy and encourage animal husbandry as a sustainable means of livelihood.
Thousands of rural Rajasthan families rely on livestock and dairy for their livelihood. But the increasing cost of fodder, veterinary services, and shelter tends to put a burden on finances. This new scheme aims to extend short-term interest-free credit, providing much-needed economic support to small and poor cattle farmers.
Gopal Credit Card Scheme: Why This Scheme is Important
The Rajasthan government has taken this step with the goal of improving livestock health, increasing dairy productivity, and reducing the financial stress on farmers. The interest-free nature of the loan ensures that farmers can repay the borrowed amount without any extra financial pressure—provided the loan is repaid within one year.
With this facility, farmers can:
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Buy cows and buffaloes
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Purchase fodder and medicines
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Build or upgrade cattle sheds
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Invest in basic dairy equipment
Progress So Far: Encouraging Numbers
The response to the scheme has been very positive. As of now:
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More than 1 lakh applications have already been received
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33,475 families have been provided the benefit till March 31, 2025
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The government aims to reach 5 lakh families in the year 2024–25
In the year 2025–26, the plan is to provide loans to 2.5 lakh new families
Simple and Farmer-Friendly Process
Unlike traditional loan schemes, this scheme is easy to apply for and doesn’t involve complex paperwork. Farmers can approach cooperative societies and banks associated with the Cooperative Department to apply for the loan. Here's what’s required:
Basic Eligibility:
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Applicant must have Janadhaar and Aadhaar Card
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Must not have more than two active loans
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A reference or guarantee from two persons is needed
Applicant must be registered on the SSO (Single Sign-On) Portal
Major Relaxations and Benefits
The government has made the scheme highly accessible by removing multiple restrictions that previously made loan processes difficult for rural farmers:
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No need for CIBIL score
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No requirement of mortgaging property or land
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Not necessary to be a member of a dairy committee
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No need to supply milk to government-recognized dairies
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No recommendation required from dairy committee secretary
These relaxations are aimed at ensuring that even the smallest and most resource-poor cattle farmers can benefit without bureaucratic hurdles.
A Boost for Rural Economy
This scheme is not just about giving loans—it is about providing economic freedom to the livestock farming community. With better access to credit:
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Farmers can improve their cattle breeds
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Animal health will improve with regular medicines and nutrition
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Dairy output and income will increase
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New employment opportunities will be generated in villages
The scheme also supports the self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) of farmers and aligns with the government's mission to develop rural Rajasthan as a livestock-rich and economically stable region.
This bold initiative of the Rajasthan government is a milestone step towards empowering livestock farmers, improving dairy productivity, and uplifting the rural economy. Farmers are encouraged to apply soon and take advantage of the interest-free loan facility before the deadline.
For more information, visit your nearest cooperative society or register through the SSO portal.
